Question

(a) Why does `PCl_3` fume in moisture ?
(b) Are all the five bonds in `PCl_5` molecule equivalent ? Justify your answer.
( c) How do you account for the reducing behaviour of `H_3 PO_2` on the basic of its structure ?
(d) Give the disproportional reaction of `H_3PO_3`.

Answer 1

In `H_(3)PO_(2)`, two H atoms are bonded directly to P atom which imparts reducing character to the acid.